Remo Stars are temporarily back at the top of the log in the Nigeria Premier League after beating their arch-rivals, Bendel Insurance 1-0 at Ikenne on Sunday.

The win gives the Ikenne side 18 points from eight matches as they await the result of Rivers United’s away duel with Niger Tornadoes on Monday for the confirmation of their match Day 8 position.

Ghanaian import, Dela Akorli’s brilliant strike in the 43^rd minute gave the Remo Stars another bragging right against their rival.

In the other matches played on Sunday, Bayelsa United defeated Heartland by a lone goal.

Rabiu Abdullahi’s 55^th-minute goal decided the match. With the loss, Heartland which benefited from Beyond Limits’ absence from the NPFL to be in the premier league are back again in the backwaters of relegation.

El Kanemi Warriors pipped former champions, Enyimba of Aba 1-0. The lone goal was scored by Usman Abbas at the end time of the first half.

But the result of the match still leaves the former African champions in the third position with 14 points.

Abia Warriors spanked visiting Plateau United 3-1. Although the visitors drew the first blood in the 40^th minute through Adamu Abubakar, two quick goals from Sunday Megwo and Adejoh in the added time of the first half gave the home side the lead and Paul Samson put the match beyond the visitors with their goal in the 61^st minute.

Ahmed Musa-led Kano Pillars could not replicate their big win against Enugu Rangers in the mid-week as they struggled to a 1-1 draw against visiting Kwara United of Ilorin.

The visitors opened the score in the 49^th minute through Ismail Gata but Zilkifilu secured parity in the 57^th minute of the match.

Sunshine Stars of Akure were one nil better than visiting Nasarawa United as Opeoluwa Olufemi scored the only goal of the match.

Actions resume on Monday as Ikorodu City will host Lobi Stars while Niger Tornadoes will be home against Rivers United and Shooting Stars will host Katsina United in Ibadan and Akwa United will play Enugu Rangers in Uyo.    

Remo Stars were beaten by a two-goal margin as they lost 3-1 to Plateau United. The same fate befell their western neighbours, Shooting Stars who lost 2-0 to Rivers United in Port Harcourt.

Both results meant that the leadership of the league is captured by Rivers United, pushing Remo Stars to the second position after seven matches.

 For Remo Stars destiny was shaped by the rampaging Franklin Anthony whose hattrick gave Plateau United their victory.

 Plateau United struck early in the match, shooting ahead in the fifth minute and completed the rout in the second half through goals in the 64^th and 70^th minutes.

Remo Stars only stalled the tide through Jabbar Malik in the 83rd minute.

In Port Harcourt, Rivers United prevailed over Shooting Stars with a 2-0 win. After a goalless first half, Aniekeme Okon put the home side in the lead in the 50^th minute and Ndifreke Effiong Udo doubled the lead in the 65^th minute.

The result lifted the side into the top spot with 17 points and a better goal difference of eight which is the highest by any team in the ongoing season.

In Benin, Bendel Insurance bounced back from Ikorodu City’s defeat last weekend in Lagos and recorded a resounding 3-0 win against visiting Bayelsa United in the early kick-off tie.

Kayode Oke Solomon opened the score for the home side in the 17^th minute and Nnamdi Anthony doubled the lead in the 78^th minute before Micheal Enaruna scored the third goal in added time.

In Owerri, coach Emmanuel Amuneke of Heartland FC had to work harder and salvaged a point at home against resurgent Ikorodu City who scored first in the 5^th minute via Salaudeen Taiwo but Chukwuma Agor secured parity for the home side in a 1-1 scoreline in the 66^th minute.

Katsina United pipped Akwa United by a lone goal scored by Azeez Falolu in the 27^th minute.

Action resumes this weekend as leaders, River United will play away ay at Niger Tornadoes while Remo Stars will host Bendel Insurance in Ikenne just as Shooting welcomes Katsina United and Ikorodu City will host Lobi Stars.

El-Kanemi Warriors will continue their season’s unbeaten run as they host Enyimba while Bayelsa United will host Heartland of Owerri and Akwa United will welcome Enugu Rangers in Uyo.

Ahmed Musa’s Kano Pillars will hope to continue their winning streak as the host Kwara United and Sunshine Stars will host Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors will host Plateau United in Abakaliki.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is on the rise and has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, largely thanks to the unwavering commitment of strategic partners to the NPFL, GTI Group. By laying down robust structures for transparency and accountability, GTI Group has significantly helped to improve the integrity and reputation of the elite league, ensuring that every dime from sponsors and investors of The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) are meticulously utilised and accounted for.

GTI’s initiative to enhance transparency in the NPFL goes beyond mere intentions; it involves concrete actions that laid the groundwork for accountability. This commitment not only bolsters the league’s financial health but also promotes confidence among stakeholders, including fans, sponsors and players.

One of the critical challenges that faced the NPFL before the coming of GTI Group in the 2022/2023 season was crowd violence. However, the financial investment firm and the NPFL Board led by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye have worked harmoniously and tackled this issue head-on by implementing measures to curb this menace at match venues.

The placement of trained security personnel, implementation of zero tolerance to crowd violence and the issuance of fines against erring clubs cum their fans have fostered a safer environment for lovers of the beautiful game in the country. As a result, match attendance has astronomically increased, allowing for a more vibrant and supportive atmosphere.

The enhanced transparency in match operations by NPFL has also sparked renewed hope and a sense of friendly competition among clubs. With the increase in fair play and adherence to regulations, fans and players alike are experiencing a new wave of excitement. This was exemplified on Match Day 3 of the ongoing 2024/2025 season, where the league witnessed an impressive display of five-star performance: five away wins, three draws, and two home wins. This feat has never happened in the history of the elite league and reflects the blossoming football economy of Africa’s most populous nation. 

GTI Group and NPFL’s relentless effort has laid the foundation for a prosperous league that attracts local and international talents from neighboring countries in the round-leather game. By focusing on transparency, infrastructural development and security, GTI and NPFL are not just transforming the league but creating a sustainable environment where football can thrive.

As we celebrate these positive changes, it is essential to acknowledge the role of every stakeholder in this journey. The NPFL is no longer just a platform for entertainment; it is a thriving business-oriented industry with the potential to inspire future generations.

The transformation of the NPFL, championed by GTI Group, reflects a brighter future for Nigerian football. With the ongoing commitment and collaboration, the NPFL will continue to flourish, bringing glory to clubs and excitement to fans across the world.